All that is required to use GameCube Controllers with the Wii U is a GameCube controller port attachment (of similar shape and size to the Wii MotionPlus attachment) for the Wii Remote. The attachment would be used to connect a GameCube Controller to a Wii Remote much like the Classic Controller connects to a Wii Remote. This attachment is the perfect, cost effective solution to the Wii U console not having GameCube controller ports. The GameCube controller is familiar to those who have played a GameCube and still the preferred controller by many for games such as Smash Bros. and Mario Kart. This adapter also has the added benefit that every wired GameCube controller could be effectively used wirelessly; without needing to plug the controller into the console.

The GameCube Controller L and R Analog 'pressure-sensitive' Triggers are required for some GameCube games to be even playable on the Wii U Virtual Console. Games such as Super Mario Sunshine which makes use of the GameCube Controller L and R Analog 'pressure-sensitive' Triggers to control the water pressure of the water from F.L.U.D. simply won't work with Digital Trigger 'shaped' Buttons.

Want a GameCube Controller that plugs into a Wii Remote right now?

If you want a modified GameCube controller that plugs into a Wii remote, you are in luck a website exists that modifies and sells controllers. Visit Infiniteneslives.com and make a request.

Infinite NES Lives

Put it to you

We need to let Nintendo know what we want now before they release the Wii U.

Our voices an opinions matter and count!

Do you have ideas on how Nintendo can support GameCube controllers?

Do you think the Wii U should support GameCube in any way shape or form?

The 3DS and DS utilise a top screen for visual display and a bottom screen for touch control.

The Wii U console outputs to a TV screen for visual display and the Wii U controller screen is used for touch control.

The Wii U and 3DS both utilise a top screen for impressive visuals and a bottom touch screen.

It makes Business Sense

More and more money is being invested in Video Games every year and games are becoming larger, more in-depth and requiring larger development teams. Sony and Microsoft in recent times have attracted more of the bigger budget games than Nintendo. Nintendo may need to increase their own team sizes, but also focus on getting more value from the efforts of development teams in order to compete. One way to achieve this is to move away from only developing games for a single system, but instead developing games than can be played on both Nintendo’s hand held and home console.

With the additional option to play your 3DS games on Wii U gamers are getting greater value from their 3DS game purchases with the additional optional play method. A TV screen is larger than the 3DS top screen and the Wii U controller screen is larger than the 3DS bottom screen so 3DS games played on the Wii U could show off the finer graphical details of the games. The Wii U controller also supports finger touch a feature which is not supported on the 3DS. With the 3DS and DS libraries available for play on the Wii U from launch. The Wii U and 3DS could be used in conjunction with one another to play multiplayer 3DS and DS games.

Select '3DS/DS Download Play' on Wii U and 'Wii U Download Play on the 3DS or DS'

Wii U looking for 3DS software to download.

Once the download has finished; time to Play!

After installation the 3DS must remain with-in range of the Wii U system with the game inserted for authorisation. If street pass is enabled on the 3DS when the system is turned off the 3DS could remain turned off whilst playing games on the Wii U to conserve battery.

You don’t even need to own a 3DS

3DS and DS games could be available for digital download on the Wii U online shop.

The Wii U announcement was very exciting, but left me with more questions than answers. Here is how Nintendo can solidify my confidence in the Wii U. Please note the Wii U controllers and 3DS systems pictured in this blog are not official, they are designs from other blogs of mine.

Compatibility with up to 4 Wii U controllers per system

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Wii U

3DS systems used in place of and in conjunction with Wii U controllers

If Nintendo is serious about making the Wii U appeal to more experienced gamers they need to re-design the Wii U controller. Here are some ideas I have come up with.

More Familiar

A lot of experienced gamers are more familiar with controllers such as those of the GameCube, PS3 and Xbox 360. The Wii U controller should be re-designed to have less in common with a tablet and more in common with standard gaming controllers. The example re-design above is slimmer, the Analog Sticks have been placed below the D-pad, A, B, Y, X buttons and more traditional handles have been added for increased comfort during extended play sessions.

Dual Analog Sticks

The Circle Pads on the current design of the Wii U controller should be replaced by analog sticks similar to those on the GameCube controller.

Analog Triggers

The L, R, ZL and ZR Digital Buttons on the current design of the Wii U controller should be replaced with 'pressure sensitive' Analog Triggers.

SNES D-Pad and Buttons

Larger, softer and more comfortable D-Pad and A, B, Y, X buttons.

SNES style convex D-Pad.

SNES (PAL/JAP) style coloured buttons to make it easier to distinguish between the A, B, Y, X buttons.

The 3DS re-design rumours have got me thinking about what I would like in a re-designed DS. Here is what I have come up with.

DS Advance

Dual Analog Sticks

Similar to the analog stick on the GameCube controller.

Indented top shell to fit the analog sticks so the DS can close.

SNES D-Pad and Buttons

Larger, softer and more comfortable D-Pad and A,B,Y,X buttons.

SNES style convex D-Pad rather than the 3DS concave D-Pad.

SNES (PAL/JAP) style coloured buttons to make it easier to distinguish between the A,B,Y,X buttons.

Non-Stereoscopic 3D screen

A non-stereoscopic 3D screen for those who cannot see the effect and gamers who prefer not to view media in 3D.

Cheaper to produce than the stereoscopic 3D screen on the current 3DS.

Doesn’t require a large black backing area around the top screen required on the current 3DS to enhance the stereoscopic 3D display.

Dual Wide Screen Display

More streamlined with both screens the same dimensions and resolution.

The screen dimensions and resolutions could be larger than those of the current 3DS.

Enhanced Touch Screen

Additionally to responding to stylus touch; also responds to finger touch. This would enable players to more easily use buttons, d-pad and analog sticks in conjunction with the touch screen without the need to hold a stylus.